Polynesian Cultural Center

We scheduled Thursday as our day to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. The center didn't open until 12:30 and so we had the majority of the morning to wander around the island. We decided to stop at the Punchbowl Cemetery. The cemetery lies at the top of a mountain with a great view down on Honolulu.




As we drove up the coast we stopped to watch the big waves crash into the rocks on the North shore.


When we arrived at the Cultural Center, we got there just in time to catch a river raft performance from each of the different Pacific islands.





We saw a man open a coconut, start a fire with just bamboo, and climb a palm tree. There were lots of students that did polynesian dances and played large drums. Many of these demonstrations called upon audience members to participate. Scott got called to go to the front to do a Fijian dance. He was really nervous, but he did it anyway. I was proud of him. At least it looks like he's having fun. He did get a crown woven from leaves for his trouble.





We had dinner at a luau that evening. We ate kalua pork, chicken, fresh fruit, and poi. Following dinner we made our way to a large outdoor auditorium where we saw a performance from the students of nearby BYU. They did dances and played with fire. It was amazing!